A POPULAR barbershop is unable to expand because of an ongoing planning spat with Colchester Council.

Business partners Denise Simpson and Danny Parrott launched the Barber’s Den, in Asda car park in Turner Rise, in November, and have seen the business thrive.

But Colchester Council refused a retrospective planning application, saying the cabin is “seriously detrimental”

to its surroundings.

The pair have now launched an appeal, but have been told it will be at least six months before they get a decision.

Denise said: “The sad thing is we can’t secure the staff we need for the number of people coming in because of the planning issue.

We can’t grow until we can say to staff we are 100 per cent permanent.”

Since the Gazette reported the story the pair have been inundated with support.

A council spokesman for Colchester Council said: “An appeal has been lodged and the planning inspector will decide the date for a site visit.”